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Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the opening of this annual show, however, I did get the chance to stop by to see the incredible work produced by some truly talented GS Art Students. I’m constantly amazed by the work that our students are producing and their talent level. I’m also constantly in awe of the high interest assignments and the guidance that are provided by the members of our Fine Arts staff – some really, really hard working teachers are working tirelessly to foster these talents.

After seeing last year’s show at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s temporary location, it was great to see it back to being housed in the newly renovated Museum’s Community Room. It was also pretty cool to NOT be at the opening show when I was viewing the pieces, as there were several members of the community there at the same time that I was who had no tie to the artists or the school. I must freely admit that I did a little bit of eavesdropping while I was there and it was great to hear the unbelievably positive comments and compliments directed toward our students. Several were, appropriately, in awe of the work.

The following are but some of my favorites – and the phone photos and crops do not even come close to doing them justice.

One of the interesting parts of the show, for me at least, is to read the artists’ statements. I’ve been fortunate to work with many of these students in the English classroom, but it’s great to see them put into words where they’re coming from, artistically. And while Sara certainly does a great job of explaining her motivations, I was struck by this portrait – I’m not sure that I’ve seen many that better capture what I see in a kid.

And I had to share this one as well. I love when an artist is able to make a statement and I also love when she is able to poke a little fun at everything going on around her. I think that this artist did exactly that when she created this piece:

Once again, bravo to all of the students and teachers who took part in this tremendous display of their talents!

Last night I had the chance to check out the Advanced Art Portfolio Exhibition (I think I just made that title up, so please don’t hold that against me!) at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s temporary location. To say that I was blown away would be an absolute understatement.

I’ve been to plenty of Museums and I’ve seen a ton of great art, some famous and some not so famous. I love walking through a gallery and then just being crushed with a piece in front of me. It’s hard to explain what my taste is in art, but when I see it, I just know.

We have an extremely talented group of artists at our school and several had the opportunity to show off their work – some of it I had seen before, but some was completely new to me. It was also really cool to get the chance to read the artist’s statements – some really took the time to examine what has brought them to where they are now. In addition, we also have some incredibly dedicated teachers who’ve worked extremely hard to foster this student talent (thank you Kelley and Renee!)

I was absolutely stunned at how many pieces just stopped me in my tracks — almost rendering me breathless at times. These were just a few of my favorites from the show. Please keep in mind that these are pics from my phone and some were taken quickly with horrible angles – so don’t hold these against the artists!

Just so much talent.

I’d also like to take a minute to thank the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for enabling our students this wonderful opportunity. By no means do they have to do this, but I can assure you that it’s appreciated.

If you aren’t aware, the Museum is currently undergoing major renovations – exciting things are happening for sure. It was also great to see a small section of the temporary location that is dedicated to this construction. I can’t wait to see the new building once completed.

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Thanks for checking out my blog on my life as a teacher as well as my thoughts on Educational Reform. I hope that you find what I have to say of value; but more importantly, I hope that you join in the conversation. I don't expect you to agree with everything I say, but hope you are willing to listen.

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